School’s hybrid solution

When the specification for a new-build school called for a colour coding of windows with unusual bespoke reveals and cills, the solution came in a combination of PVCU windows set in made-to-order aluminium surrounds.

Birkenhead-based K2 Aluminium Systems (also an established PVCU installer) suggested pressed aluminium cills and exterior reveals around Veka frames from Glazerite.

Palmerston School, Liverpool, is a special school for pupils aged 11-19 with multiple learning difficulties, and is now housed in the new-built premises replacing an original building nearby. The windows are colour coded in red, blue, yellow and green to help pupils to navigate around the school and to identify different areas.

The work, for main contractor Kier Construction, entailed 55 windows, each with four top-openers, in RAL 7012 Basalt Grey foil of white. The aluminium elements were pressed and powder coated to order for K2, and included an upright panel between each frame and cill to allow additional ventilation space beneath the lower openers. Also in the contract were five glazed doors fabricated in Schueco aluminium.

“It was quite an unusual specification but one where our background in both PVCU and aluminium paid dividends,” K2 commercial manager Liam Bird said. “Working with Glazerite on the PVCU fabrication, and with our own experience of aluminium, we were able to complete the work to specification and without problems and the result speaks for itself.”